Exploratory Factor Analysis of the 12-Item Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being Scale in People Newly Diagnosed With Advanced Cancer

Abstract

Background and Purpose: The purpose of this study was to reexamine the factor pattern of the 12-item Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy–Spiritual Well-Being Scale (FACIT-Sp-12) using exploratory factor analysis in people newly diagnosed with advanced cancer. Methods: Principal components analysis (PCA) and 3 common factor analysis methods were used to explore the factor pattern of the FACIT-Sp-12. Factorial validity was assessed in association with quality of life (QOL). Results: Principal factor analysis (PFA), iterative PFA, and maximum likelihood suggested retrieving 3 factors: Peace, Meaning, and Faith. Both Peace and Meaning positively related to QOL, whereas only Peace uniquely contributed to QOL. Conclusion: This study supported the 3-factor model of the FACIT-Sp-12. Suggestions for revision of items and further validation of the identified factor pattern were provided.